Speaking to The News, Allen said: 'It's a tremendous honour which I would like to dedicate to all those hard-working local and regional sports reporters out there.

'As mentioned in my speech, we are here to report on the good times and, vastly more often than not, absolutely awful days.

'The hierarchies at football clubs can ban you, they can discredit you, they can attempt to get you the sack.

Neil's stories included an interview with Blues fan Lucy Oliver, wife of Premier League referee Michael, who candidly revealed her social media torment after her husband sent off Gianluigi Buffon in the Champions League.

'But we will always, always outlast these people.'

Allen emerged ahead of the Evening Standard’s James Olley, who later in the evening would claim Sports Scoop for his Wembley for Sale exclusive.

Pompey footballer Dion Donohue told Neil his heartbreaking account of the day he thought he had lost his son and partner during childbirth

Allen also earned praise for his speech on the night, addressing the importance of local media and reflecting on his difficult Pompey experiences.

With the event hosted by Jim Rosenthal, other awards went to the Guardian’s Daniel Taylor (Football Journalist), the Telegraph’s Paul Hayward (Sports Writer of the Year), and BBC Radio 5Live’s John Murray (Sports Commentator).

In addition, legendary commentator Barry Davies was honoured with Services to Sports Journalism.

Allen’s work was last year highly commended at both the British Sports Journalism Awards and the Regional Press Awards.

Trending

Here’s the food hygiene rating of every Portsmouth restaurant and takeaway inspected in April

Missing teenager last seen almost a month ago could be in Southsea, police say